Cole Hamels will take the mound for the Phillies tonight, and he will try to win back to back starts for the first time this year. The Phillies have won his last two starts, but Hamels was not the pitcher of record in the first–a game against the Padres on June 26 where he gave up five runs in six innings. His last start, however, was one of his best of the year. He held the Pirates to five hits and two runs (only one ER) over seven innings on July 4. He induced 18 whiffs, which is tied for his second most this year. He struck out eight and walked none. The last time he faced the Nationals, he gave up five runs (3 ER) over 6.1 innings and received his 8th loss of the year.

For the Nationals, some guy named Taylor Jordan will get the start. He’s only had two starts in his career, throwing a combined 10 innings and giving up three earned runs. He’ll be new to this Phillies lineup, so it’s tough to predict how he will do.

Lineup:

Your Gameday Beer – Orval Trappist Ale
I’ve said it before, monks know how to brew beers and this Belgian Pale Ale is no exception. First it hits you with a apple/pear scent then a complex taste of citrus, caramel, and earthy yeast – all in a creamy buttery consistency. Wow. I hear it goes well with Thai food, but this is certainly one you can drink alone. – By Brian

That’s some excellent hitting and running by 3/4. Kudos to both. It’s especially large because of the 4 righties in a row coming up now. I mean it’s not exactly a lost cause, but it’s not Foster Bench, Perez and Concepcion.

But at least they evened the game. Frankly, I was kinda concerned about how many chances they’d get even though it’s only the 4th Well, it was.

So we’ll see how the bottom of the order does when they get their chances.

The Phils have hit into 3 double plays tonight. 6 times in his career, Whitey Ashburn led The League with the FEWEST GIDP’s in a season. 6 each of those years. And the Phils have 3 tonight. And I think that’s WITHOUT GIDP stalwarts Revere and Young as part of the brigade.

It worked out well. The warning sign was the dinger J Dub hit off Cole earlier, but that doesn’t mean DeFratus with ’em loaded is a better bet. But you couldn’t draw much confidence, despite mastering Zimmerman. I know about the RISP his last year here, but Jayson with em loaded is scary stuff to me.